Kids Health Info : Molluscum (2024)

Molluscum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, harmless, raised spots to appear on the skin. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. Once infected, your child can easily spread molluscum to other people, or to different areas on their own body. It is spread by touching the molluscum spots, and through bath or pool water, bath toys and towels.

Molluscum spots may stay on the body for a few weeks, several months or more than a year. Molluscum does not usually need any treatment.

Signs and symptoms of molluscum

At first, molluscum spots look like white pimples. They then become round, pearl-coloured lumps that have a white mark or indentation in the centre. They are usually one to five millimetres in size, but can be as big as two centimetres. Generally, molluscum spots are found on the stomach, face, arms, legs or in the nappy area.

Molluscum spots are painless and usually not itchy.

How is molluscum spread?

The molluscum virus is found in warm water, so children are often infected in swimming pools and baths. Sharing towels and face washers is another way to spread the virus. Molluscum can also be spread from skin-to-skin contact involving the molluscum spots.

It can take weeks or even months for the spots to appear after your child has come into contact with the molluscum virus.

Good personal hygiene is important to help prevent molluscum spreading. If your child has molluscum:

  • Give your child showers instead of baths. The molluscum virus can spread to other parts of the body through the bath water.
  • If your child does have a bath, don’t share baths with other children and avoid bath toys.
  • The virus can be spread when drying with a towel, so try to dry areas with the molluscum spots last.
  • Wash and dry any bath toys after use, as they can spread the virus.
  • Do not share towels, face washers or clothing.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your child’s molluscum spots.

Most adults have been exposed to molluscum in their youth and are therefore immune, so it is not likely you will become infected by touching your child's spots.

Treatment for molluscum

Treatment for molluscum is not routinely recommended because most cases clear up on their own in around six to 18 months. If left alone, molluscum does not tend to result in any scarring. Many of the treatment options available can be painful and may increase the chance of scaring. Some treatments may also increase the risk of spreading the infection.

Treatment is usually only recommended for children who have unsightly lesions or if the lesions are affecting their quality of life. Treatment may also be recommended for children with weakened immune symptoms as the virus can take several years to clear in these cases. If your child is experiencing both eczema and molluscum, the eczema needs to be treated before any treatment for molluscum can take place.

If the spots are causing problems, consult a GP, dermatologist or dermatology nurse practitioner to explore treatment options.

When to see a doctor

Sometimes, the skin around the molluscum spots can develop a rash and the skin can become infected with bacteria. If this happens, take your child to a GP. Antibiotics may be prescribed for the skin infection, but the antibiotics do not treat the molluscum spots themselves, because antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Key points to remember

  • Molluscum is caused by a virus, resulting in small, harmless, raised spots. The spots are painless and usually not itchy.
  • It is spread easily from person to person by touching the molluscum spots, and through bath or pool water, bath toys and towels.
  • Good hygiene can help reduce the spread of the infection.
  • Treatment is not always needed. If the skin around the spots becomes infected, antibiotics may be prescribed.

For more information

  • See your GP, Maternal and Child Health Nurse or pharmacist.
  • Better Health Channel: Molluscum contagiosum
  • Kids Health Info fact sheet: Eczema
  • Kids Health Info fact sheet: Stopping the spread of germs
  • DermNet NZ: Molluscum Contagiosum

Kids Health Info : Molluscum (1)

Common rashes and skin conditions in kids

Common questions our doctors are asked

Why does my child scratch at their molluscum?

Molluscum spots usually don’t itch. It's more likely that the molluscum has caused a local flare up of pre-existing eczema, which may be itchy.

Can my child go to child care if she has molluscum?

Children with molluscum can go to school, child care and kindergarten, and play with other children, because clothing usually covers the affected areas.


Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Dermatology and Emergency departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed July 2020.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.

Kids Health Info : Molluscum (2024)
Top Articles
Stun Gun Laws By State | Lawrina
Cancel your Google One membership - Android
St Thomas Usvi Craigslist
Genesis Parsippany
Garrison Blacksmith Bench
Ofw Pinoy Channel Su
Otterbrook Goldens
Notary Ups Hours
Noaa Swell Forecast
Craigslist Dog Sitter
Elden Ring Dex/Int Build
Anki Fsrs
Olivia Ponton On Pride, Her Collection With AE & Accidentally Coming Out On TikTok
The Shoppes At Zion Directory
Nyuonsite
Lesson 8 Skills Practice Solve Two-Step Inequalities Answer Key
Cambridge Assessor Database
Craigslist Clinton Ar
Invitation Homes plans to spend $1 billion buying houses in an already overheated market. Here's its presentation to investors setting out its playbook.
Selfservice Bright Lending
Toyota Camry Hybrid Long Term Review: A Big Luxury Sedan With Hatchback Efficiency
Shiftselect Carolinas
Www.patientnotebook/Atic
Village
The best brunch spots in Berlin
Elbert County Swap Shop
Barista Breast Expansion
Wood Chipper Rental Menards
Dashboard Unt
Geico Car Insurance Review 2024
Craigslist Fort Smith Ar Personals
Cfv Mychart
Current Students - Pace University Online
Log in or sign up to view
Pay Stub Portal
How to Play the G Chord on Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide - Breakthrough Guitar | Online Guitar Lessons
Police Academy Butler Tech
Kelsey Mcewen Photos
Carespot Ocoee Photos
ATM Near Me | Find The Nearest ATM Location | ATM Locator NL
Regis Sectional Havertys
Oriellys Tooele
Riverton Wyoming Craigslist
Walmart Car Service Near Me
Quick Base Dcps
Random Animal Hybrid Generator Wheel
Haunted Mansion Showtimes Near Millstone 14
Rise Meadville Reviews
Epower Raley's
Cataz.net Android Movies Apk
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 5557

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.